Single Herb Monographs: Astragalus
ASTRAGALUS (Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus, or Huang Qi as it is most commonly known in the Chinese herbal pharmacopeia, is derived from the root of the plant. Whilst there are over 1750 species in the genus (Astragalus), the main species used medicinally is Astragalus membranaceous.
The major clinical use of the astragalus root is as an immunomodulator to prevent viral illnesses, and as an adjunctive therapy for cancer, HIV and atopic diseases. Scientific studies have shown that astragalus can reduce immune suppression following chemotherapy [1]. When used in conjunction with the herb angelica it was shown to have renal protective effects [2]. A combination of Chinese herbs, with astralagus as the major ingredient, was shown to reduce fatigue in athletes. [3] Astragalus increases M-cholinergic receptor density in senile rats,[4] suggesting that astragalus may have a role in combating brain senility. Astragalus can delay chemical induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. [5] The components of astragalus that are thought to mediate its action include the polysaccharides and saponins.
In Chinese Herbal Medicine, Huang Qi is considered a sweet, warming herb, which specifically affects the Lung, Spleen and Heart meridians [6]. Chinese Herbal Medicine rarely uses a single herb for treatment. Prescriptions, consisting of several herbs, are formulated based on the patient’s condition. Huang Qi is often combined with ginseng, angelica, licorice and other herbs. It is a very commonly used herb prescribed for fatigue, decreased appetite, general debility (particularly in the elderly), susceptibility to viral infections, non-healing wounds, fever, sweating, uterine prolapse, uterine bleeding, edema (nephritis), numbness, muscle pain, diabetes mellitus, and uterine, ovarian or colon cancer.
NCCAM